2/6/13 - A Livingston County man accused of abusing poor boys at a residential center he ran in Haiti is standing trial in Miami federal court. 67-year-old Matthew Andrew Carter of Brighton is facing several charges for allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with minors in exchange for gifts, money or continued care. Carter ran the Morning Star Center in Port-au-Prince from 1995 up until his arrest at Miami International Airport in 2011. Miami news outlets report that testimony was heard from two Haitian men yesterday following opening statements. Federal Prosecutor Maria Medetis described the facility as a trap instead of a sanctuary that was used as "a sexual playground" where Carter preyed on boys in his care. Defense Attorney Phil Horowitz argued the children lived at the center with their parents' permission and were always free to leave. He described Carter as a military veteran and the son of a Detroit police officer who became a missionary who sought to save Haitian children. A 28-year-old witness said the sexual abuse started when he was nine and lasted up until he got older, saying he had no choice but to comply since Carter paid for his food, clothes and education. A now 31-year-old witness testified that he went to live with Carter at age 14 but never reported anything he experienced or witnessed because of Carter's status in the community and fear of making him angry. The Haitian government closed the Morning Star Center after Carter was taken into custody. His trial is expected to last four weeks. (JM)
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